Andressa Alves back in action for Corinthians after injury lay-off | OneFootball

Corinthians received an important boost right at the start of the knockout stage of the Brazilian Women’s Championship. Recovered from an injury to the back of her left thigh, Andressa Alves returned to the pitch on Monday night (31) in the Brabas’ 1-0 win over Cruzeiro at Arena Independência in Belo Horizonte.

Wearing the No. 8 shirt, she started the match on the bench and was brought on by head coach Emily Lima in the 71st minute, replacing Tamires. As a result, Andressa ended a spell of nearly a month without playing for Timão.

Photo: Rebecca Reis / Staff Women

The return came in an important match for the team’s ambitions in the competition. With a goal from Vic Albuquerque, Corinthians won away from home and took the lead in the quarterfinal tie. Now, they can draw the return leg to advance to the semifinals.

Her last match had been at the beginning of August

Before facing Cruzeiro, Andressa Alves had not played since August 3. On that occasion, Corinthians visited Flamengo and won 1-0, with the goal scored by Jhonson.

In that match, the midfielder also started on the bench. She came on in the 68th minute, replacing Vic Albuquerque, who nearly a month later would score the winner for Corinthians in Belo Horizonte.

After the match against Flamengo, Andressa suffered an injury to the back of her left thigh and began treatment. The physical issue kept the player out of the Brabas’ next five matches.

Her recovery progressed during the month of August. On the 20th, the No. 8 began the process of physical transition and later returned to training with the rest of the squad. Cleared to play, she traveled with the team to Minas Gerais and was available to Emily Lima for the first leg of the quarterfinals.

Andressa reaches 21 matches this season

Her return also updated the player’s numbers in 2026. Andressa Alves now has 21 appearances for Corinthians this season, with four goals and eight assists.

The No. 8 is among the team’s main attacking creators. With eight assists, she shares the Brabas’ lead in that category this year with Gabi Zanotti and Belén Aquino.

Before the injury, Andressa had been getting regular playing time and was frequently among the starters. Her recovery, therefore, gives Emily Lima more options in midfield at a decisive stage of the season.

Corinthians will have a week until the decider

After the 1-0 win in Belo Horizonte, Corinthians will have a week to prepare before facing Cruzeiro again. The second leg of the quarterfinals is scheduled for next Monday, September 7, at 5 p.m. (Brasília time).

The Brabas will have home advantage, but the venue has not yet been defined. With the lead built at Arena Independência, Corinthians will qualify with a draw. If Cruzeiro win by one goal, the place in the next round will be decided on penalties.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.